Have you ever noticed that the nearer a country is to the Equator, the spicier the food is? It seems like hot food in hot weather makes people cooler and more comfortable. That’s logical, I guess!
make ahead
Easy Enchiladas
I recently saw a map of the U.S. showing the most commonly spoken languages besides English, and found that more Minnesotans speak Spanish and Hmong than any other foreign language.
It is only logical that states like Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont would have French as their most common foreign language, due to proximity to Quebec. It also makes sense that Ohio and North Dakota would have many German speakers because of immigration patterns and Amish population.
Ground Turkey and Fennel Chili
Is it pathetic that I’m not quite ready for warm weather? I haven’t gotten nearly enough indoor projects done, and I will always, always love soup season.
Roasted Squash and Carrot Soup
This was one of those crazy, fun, exhausting, wonderful weekends. My younger sister has been visiting from Alaska, and we were able to get much of the family together. Great food, lots of laughter, and a game of extreme four-square rounded off the day. 🙂
Tuscan Fennel Minestrone
Here it is — the day before Holy Week begins, and as a church musician, I am swamped, but loving every minute of the season. Even though we aren’t getting a blizzard – and all the snow/ice is gone – it’s still a perfect day for SOUP!
Pastel Mint Dessert
Every family has its black sheep — the person that didn’t really follow the norm but went their own way. Not that there’s anything wrong with being different and not conforming, but sometimes the contrast is so drastic it’s comical. That’s Grandpa’s younger sister, “Margit”.
Big Batch of Bourbon Baked Beans
I never have to look far to find a reason (excuse???) to invite people over for a party. Someone’s birthday? Let’s party! The house is clean? Let’s party! It’s above zero degrees? Let’s party! Taxes are done? LET’S PARTY!
Parsnip and Ginger Soup
I got myself into a situation last week — too much sugar, and not enough food. I’m old enough to know better (!) but when I’m on vacation and enjoying special treats with special people, such things happen.
Baba Ghanoush (Eggplant Dip)
“Kristina i Köket” (Kristina in the Kitchen) would be a great title for a television show! At least for the next week or so, as I visit my daughter who lives and works in the Stockholm Archipelago. She is an amazing, creative, instinctive, adventurous cook!
Gluten Free Banana Muffins with Chocolate Bomb
I don’t like doughnuts or pastries. Even the smell can turn my stomach. Strange? Of course I am! But I can point to a cold and rainy day in the summer of 1970 as we were driving through the Danish countryside. We stopped at a bakery for cocoa and a treat, and the warm, sweet, suffocating smell of pasteries overwhelmed me. End of story.
